“If I could manage to earn 4 to 500 Thlr [Thaler] by spring, I would travel to Switzerland; admittedly, this might seem somewhat outlandish, yet the circumstances could arise. … My current debts are quite insignificant, and I am adequately supplied with clothing. I anticipate receiving 200 Thlr for a painting [Cross in the Mountains] that I will most likely complete by Christmas. Additionally, I expect to receive some money in the coming days, perhaps 20 Thlr, perhaps 80 Thlr, perhaps nothing at all. The latter ‘perhaps,’ of course, would not contribute to the advancement of my journey. The entire matter is still a long way off.”
– Friedrich to his brother Christian Friedrich